Fletcher Jones Endowed Professor of Developmental Biology

California Lutheran University; Thousand Oaks (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

California Lutheran University seeks the Fletcher Jones Endowed Professor of Developmental Biology to teach undergraduate Biology courses and guide undergraduate researchers in Thousand Oaks. The role emphasizes mentorship, scholarship, and service, with a focus on inclusive education for diverse student populations.

The ideal candidate will hold a Ph.D. in Biology or a related field, demonstrate excellence in teaching, and build a sustainable undergraduate research program while advising

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Biology or related field required.
• Evidence of excellence in undergraduate teaching.
• Ability to teach and mentor students from diverse backgrounds.

Responsibilities

• Teach undergraduate biology courses and mentor undergraduate researchers.
• Develop and oversee a sustained, student-centered research program.
• Advise students and participate in departmental and university committees.
• Engage in scholarship involving undergraduate mentees.
• Contribute to curriculum development and service activities.
• Teach and mentor in Developmental Biology, Genetics, and Introductory Biology as needed.
• Develop Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experiences (CUREs) when appropriate.
• Attend department, division, and college meetings; participate in grant writing opportunities.
• Maintain active course records and provide timely feedback to students.
• Demonstrate commitment to inclusive excellence and student success.

Skills

Teaching

Undergraduate mentorship

Curriculum design

Diversity inclusion

Grant writing

Education

Ph.D. in Biology or related field

Job description

Fletcher Jones Endowed Professor of DevelopmentalBiology

Position Category: Faculty

FLSA: Exempt

FTE: .75 (academic year full-time)

Location: Thousand Oaks

University Background:The mission of California Lutheran University is to educate leadersfor a global society who are strong in character and judgment,confident in their identity and vocation, and committed to serviceand justice. Founded in 1959 in beautiful Ventura County, theuniversity has an enrollment of about 3,500 undergraduate andgraduate students who come from across the nation and around theworld from a diversity of backgrounds, cultures and faiths. As afederally recognized Hispanic-Serving Institution, Cal Lutheran islooking for candidates with a dedication to and success in workingin diverse communities. The university is committed to an inclusivelearning and work environment that values individual differencesand respects each person's dignity.

Basic Function:Funded by the Fletcher Jones Foundation, this endowed Professorshipis responsible for providing academic instruction to students forundergraduate Biology courses. Under the direction of the Dean andDepartment Chair, the Associate or Full Professor is to serve as anacademic advisor to students; contribute to department anduniversity activities; serve on faculty or university committees;engage in scholarship involving undergraduate mentees. Successful candidates will have a Ph.D. in Biology or a relatedfield and provide evidence of excellence in teaching, as well as astrong commitment to developing a sustained research programinvolving undergraduate students. It is essential that interestedcandidates possess the ability or potential to teach, advise, andmentor undergraduate students, particularly those from diverse andunderserved backgrounds. Preference will be given to candidates whocan serve as role models for Latinx, Hispanic, African American, orNative American, First Generation students, or students of otherunderrepresented demographic groups. Postdoctoral research andexperience in collaborative grant writing are also highlydesirable. The successful candidate is expected to annually orsemi-annually teach lecture and laboratory courses in DevelopmentalBiology, Genetics and Introductory Biology lecture and lab courses,in addition to elective course offerings that align with their areaof expertise or other courses that support the department'sofferings. The successful candidate's field of research expertise is open, butpreference will be given to research programs that broadly includedevelopmental biology, genetics or genetic analysis of organisms.Candidates that are motivated to develop undergraduate laboratoryclasses that integrate genuine research experiences conducted overthe course of a semester (Course-Based Undergraduate ResearchExperiences - CURES) are strongly encouraged to apply. The Biology Department at Cal Lutheran has excellent resources forengaging students in the process of scientific discovery. CalLutheran has recently built a new, 47,000 square footjoint-sciences building with dedicated research space. We offer aninquiry-based curriculum that through smaller class sizesemphasizes active learning in order to provide students theknowledge and skills they need to succeed in elite graduateprograms and prepare for careers in industry or academia. In line with CLU's commitment to experiential learning, financialsupport for research and professional development is available,with particular emphasis on faculty-student collaborativescholarship. This support includes university funds forundergraduate conference travel, academic-year research teams, andsummer research students. The successful candidate will be anactive, visible researcher who helps strengthen our culture ofstudent-centered scientific inquiry across the College, modelinghigh-quality research practice while engaging students as genuinecollaborators in the creation of new scientific knowledge.

Representative Duties:

• Primary responsibilities for this position include teaching thefollowing undergraduate/grad courses (24 units/year): DevelopmentalBiology, Genetics, Introductory Biology Lecture and Lab classes,Departmental Research or Capstone classes and other coursesaligning with the candidate's expertise. E
• Provide academic instruction to students through lecture andlab, courses. Create assignments and activities in one-on-one,classroom, and distance mediated instructional settings fordevelopment of cognitive abilities, communication skills, andhigher order thinking skills among students. E
• Observe and evaluate student performance in meeting courseobjectives and student learning outcomes through assignments,projects, discussions, and examinations; provide feedback in atimely manner to student inquiries in class, online, or duringestablished consultation office hours. E
• Maintain current, accurate records of course enrollment,attendance, student academic progress, course curriculum; prepareand submit grades, data, and reports related to course and studentprogress in a timely manner. E
• Teach and hold office hours in person on campus, at least 4days per week. E
• Provide a course syllabus to students in each class within thefirst week of the class, as outlined in the faculty handbook.E
• Adhere to the responsibilities related to teaching, advising,service, and scholarly, professional, and creative activities forAssistant Professors as outlined in the faculty handbook. E
• Maintain an active research program involving mentorship ofundergraduate students. Faculty stipends are available to mentorstudents earning research fellowships during summer months. E
• Attend and participate on committees and in department,division, campus, and University meetings. E
• Evening and weekend hours may be required. E
• Performs related duties as assigned.

E=Essential Duties

Knowledge Of:

• Current theory and practice within the subject discipline
• Principles and best practices of effective teaching, includingActive Learning
• Student learning outcomes and methods of assessment
• University curricula
• Community and campus resources, services, programs, andprofessionals available to students
• Methods of gathering, analyzing, and preparing data
• Modern computing technology
• Record-keeping techniques about student enrollment, attendance,and progress

Ability To:

• Demonstrate a thorough and accurate knowledge in the subjectfield or discipline
• Deliver course curricula in various learning styles
• Exhibit sensitivity to and understanding of the diverseacademic, social, economic, cultural, and ethnic background ofUniversity students
• Exhibit sensitivity to and understanding of the needs ofstudents with disabilities
• Integrate current and emerging instructional deliverytechnologies into the learning process to enhance teaching and theeducational experience
• Maintain a research program that involves mentoringundergraduate students in independent projects.
• Seek extramural funding for a research program.
• Present, and mentor students in presenting, research aton-campus, regional or other conferences or opportunities.
• Maintain professional standards that protect studentconfidentiality
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing using tact,patience, and courtesy
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships
• Work constructively with their colleagues and to treat faculty,staff, administrators, and students with respect andprofessionalism
• Analyze situations accurately and adopt effective courses ofaction
• Demonstrate commitment to professional excellence andcontinuous growth within subject field or discipline
• Satisfactorily fulfill a faculty member's duties andresponsibilities and make significant contributions to theUniversity community.
• Analyze situations accurately and adopt practical courses ofaction

Minimum Qualifications: Possession of a Ph.D. in Biology, Genetics or related field from anaccredited institution.

Licenses and Other Requirements:

None

Physical Abilities:

Detect to understand appropriate written correspondence;communicate clearly to exchange information in person and via thetelephone or video; operate a computer and other officeproductivity machinery; stationary position for extended periods oftime; move or transport light objects; position self to storeand/or retrieve files.

Working Environment:

Indoor classroom environment; subject to visiting a variety ofclassroom sites on campus.

Hiring Range

$100,000 - $135,000

Posting Number: Faculty001292020

Open Date: 08/10/2026

Close Date: 10/18/2026

California Lutheran University is committed to providing equalopportunity in employment for all persons, regardless of race,religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physicaldisability, mental disability, medical condition, marital status,sex, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender, genderidentity or expression, or any other basis protected by applicablelaw. No person shall be excluded from participation in, be deniedthe benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination in any program,activity or facility of the University on the basis of thesefactors in a manner consistent with applicable federal and statelaws, regulations, ordinances, orders and rules, and University'spolicies, procedures, and processes.

Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application processcan be provided to individuals with qualifying disabilities. Pleasecontact the Human Resources Department for further information orto request an accommodation.